Bill > HB708

This bill modifies existing Montana state law to expand Commercial Driver's License (CDL) waiver eligibility for military service members in reserve components. Specifically, the bill removes the term "full-time" when describing reserve component service, which means all persons serving in a reserve component (not just full-time reservists) can now potentially qualify for CDL test waivers. The bill allows current or former military service members serving in reserve components to potentially have skills and knowledge tests waived for obtaining a commercial driver's license if they meet certain strict conditions. These conditions include having recent military experience operating commercial motor vehicles, maintaining a clean driving record (no suspensions, revocations, serious traffic violations, or at-fault accidents), and having been employed in specific military roles that involve vehicle operation, such as motor transport operators, vehicle operators, or equipment operators. The waiver provisions cover different types of commercial driver's licenses, including those for standard commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, tank vehicles, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. By removing the "full-time" restriction, the bill makes CDL test waivers more accessible to a broader range of reserve component service members.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4217